What must a pharmacist have on file before dispensing medication for a patient under the Drug Utilization Review (DUR)?

A comprehensive patient medication profile is essential for a pharmacist before dispensing medication under the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) because it provides a thorough overview of the patient's medication history, including current and past medications, dosages, and potential drug interactions. This detailed information allows the pharmacist to assess the appropriateness of the prescribed medication, evaluate for contraindications or allergies, and ensure that the patient is receiving optimal therapy.

The profile is vital for identifying potential issues such as duplicate therapy, incorrect dosages, or interactions with other medications the patient may be taking, which are crucial for patient safety. A narrative understanding of the patient's medication history coupled with the current prescription is necessary to support informed clinical decisions and uphold the standard of care in pharmacy practice.

While other options might provide useful information, they do not encapsulate the breadth of data required to conduct a thorough and effective Drug Utilization Review.